A California farmworker critically injured during a controversial immigration raid at a licensed cannabis farm in Camarillo has died, his family confirmed Saturday.
Jaime Alanis Garcia, 42, succumbed to injuries sustained after falling nearly 30 feet from the roof of a greenhouse during Thursday’s federal raid on Glass House Farms. The incident occurred as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies conducted sweeping enforcement operations across the property, located about 50 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
Garcia’s family told NBC Los Angeles that he suffered a fractured neck and skull in the fall and had been kept on life support until his wife, who traveled from Mexico, could say goodbye.
“His wife and parents decided today to let him rest. He has passed away,” his niece said in a statement.
Federal Raid Sparks Tragedy, Protests
Garcia’s death has reignited outrage over the raid, which drew hundreds of demonstrators and quickly escalated into clashes between protesters and law enforcement. According to Homeland Security, some protesters hurled rocks and bricks at federal vehicles, and officers “faced assaults, violence, and even bullets fired at them,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement.
In response, agents deployed tear gas and less-lethal weapons to disperse the crowd. At the same time, workers inside the cannabis facility were being arrested.
ICE officials have stated that Garcia was not being pursued when he fell. Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, said Garcia “climbed onto the roof of a greenhouse and fell 30 feet,” adding that a medical evacuation was requested immediately.
However, Garcia’s family and labor advocates say the chaos of the raid created a terrifying environment for workers, many of whom panicked and fled in confusion.
Union, Officials Respond
Teresa Romero, president of United Farm Workers (UFW), called the raid “chaotic” and said Garcia’s death left the union “anguished.”
“Our hearts are heavy for the grieving family of Jaime Alanis, who died from injuries sustained during a chaotic raid,” Romero said. “We will do everything we can to support them.”
She also criticized the treatment of workers and called for legal protections for 14 minors detained during the operation. According to DHS, the children were “rescued” from suspected forced labor or trafficking situations. Romero called for independent legal representation for the minors, warning that detaining or deporting them “is not a solution.”
Romero also alleged that several U.S. citizens were swept up in the arrests and said the operation exemplified racial profiling and indiscriminate enforcement. UFW and other civil rights groups recently secured a temporary federal restraining order prohibiting ICE from targeting people solely based on appearance, language, or job type.
“These violent and cruel federal actions terrorize American communities, disrupt the food supply, and separate families,” Romero said.
Political Fallout
President Donald Trump defended the raids in a Truth Social post Friday, saying he watched the protests “in disbelief” and urged federal agents to use “whatever means is necessary” to enforce immigration law.
The Glass House Farms facility raided Thursday is one of two locations owned by the company that were targeted in the operation. Officials said 319 undocumented migrants were arrested, and 14 children were taken into protective custody.
The operation follows a similar crackdown in Los Angeles last month that triggered large-scale protests and temporary citywide shutdowns. In response, Trump deployed the National Guard to restore order.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass responded to the renewed unrest Friday by signing a directive requiring city agencies to draft protocols for how staff and contractors should respond when approached by federal immigration agents.
The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to media requests for further comment on Garcia’s death.
